Anesthesia of exotic pets and zoo animals

Anesthesia in zoo animals and exotic pets is required for many varied diagnostic and surgical procedures. Anesthesia in these exotic species is often associated with a higher peri-operative risk in comparison to domestic animals. Therefore the evaluation of new anesthetic protocols and pain treatment for exotic pets and zoo animals is an important research topic at our clinic. Ideally anesthetic protocols are safe, effective, have minimal cardiorespiratory side effects and can be antagonised. We have studied new anesthetic combinations in lions and gorillas which have met these criteria. We are also investigating the clinical effect of new analgesics in birds and the anesthetic alfaxalone in reptiles.